I'm new to MTB and have been riding the spruit solo for the last 3 months, absolutely loving it. I am ok with the risk of a bike jacking... although obviously not thrilled by the prospect. However, I live with my girlfriend and would love to take her on some rides with me. The idea of something far worse happening with her is obviously horrific, and have only ever seen one woman riding with her partner on this trail so thinking maybe it is not a great idea? I'm thinking a short 10KM round trip ride from our place (Ballyclare) down to KNEAD restaurant (Bryanston Drive) for a breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning, or even from our place to parkhurst which is a bit longer (about 20KM round trip). Having said all this, I have seen couples walking these areas in the early evenings, and even mom and daughter pairs - in fairness with large dogs... Trying to gauge the viability and risk of this. Are there any precautions we could take apart from being aware etc? Will a big can of mace do the trick? I'm not a gun guy and probably wouldn't back myself with a knife or anything against a group of armed guys... Or is this just a risky idea in general?
